2006 Annual Report

Dear Educator:

South Dakota’s most valuable resource is our children. As educators, leaders, parents and grandparents, it is our duty to foster the growth and development of these young people, for they truly are the future of this great state. Both the 2010 Initiative and the 2010 Education Initiative (2010E) seek to provide increased opportunities—educational and economic—for South Dakota citizens. The 2010E plan encompasses a range of goals, objectives and action steps designed to assist South Dakota learners reach their highest potential. From expanded access to preschool to a more rigorous high school experience to more opportunities for higher education, the 2010E plan will help to prepare students for a lifetime of learning and achievement.

The 2010 Initiative offers a solid plan for building the state’s economy. With a growing economy, we are able to provide reasons for young people to stay in South Dakota. We also have implemented programs such as the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship and Dakota Corps Scholarship in an effort to keep young people in the state, contributing their ideas, energy and innovations.

We have much going for us here in South Dakota. We have a strong education system and solid families. We share a strong work ethic and can-do attitude. Working together, we can make this state a place where young people, and people of all ages, find opportunities and success.